1736hrs.
Daph via SMS: "Done! We are on our way back to service!"
I v SMS: "Service? We are at Parc Ferme?"
There is a long bit of silence, and I'm a bit concerned. I'm also thinking of the more than a few crews that were returning to service while we made our way to Downtown.
D v SMS: "Found it, on our way."
There had been a change in the route book. It was on loose paper, and distributed later than the original route book. Easy enough to have happen. Really pleased that it didn't go on too long!
We stand at the entrance time control, waiting to see what we can. We don't see Mal and Martin, but we do see cars after their number. This is disappointing. The blocked road is filling with cars and spectators. There is a smoked meat shop, a DJ, music....... It's a rally finish.
Finally, after a new build, 12 months, lots of late night thrash, and two very wet Recce and Rally days, car 23 enters the final time control. It has Reverse, First, Fourth, and Third if you lean on the shifter James says....
They have done it!!!
Out of the car, and phone calls home to little ones, we take some shots of our weary band. It's been quite the few days.
We'll find Malcom a few minutes afterwards: "Hey, what happened?"
Mal: "uhhh, we had some alignment issues from when we lost the wheel. Bent a control arm, and it's a bit hot after the tree we hit punctured the rad. Couldn't restart at the bottom of the hill, we walked the card in."
If you want to sum up a never quit attitude, that is it right there.
They will be classified as 18th. Second last overall, but a finisher.
James and Daphne will show a 2 Wheel Open class finish of 6th, and 13th overall. There were 25 starters.
In rallying, attrition is a big part of the game. A combination of quality build, care in the rough, and a steady pace have paid high dividends.